How to Interpret Metaphors
Example: “a flashing knife blade of crystal” (IaP “Child of the Americas” p. 32/l. 8)
Brainstorming: What associations/connotations are evoked on the literal level?
Possible associations of “knife blade”:
- kitchen-tool:cut vegetables, meat etc.
- tool: cut wood
- thriller:murderer kills with a knife
- circus: throw knives
- weapon: attack and/or defend oneself
Analysis: Do my associations/connotations fit to the neighbouring words (“flashing”, “of crystal”) and the general context (language, English)?
Conclusion: Only the comparison of a language to a weapon with which you can “defend” yourself and “attack” others (with words) fits
Interpretation: Connect the literal and the figurative level and explain what the metaphor is probably supposed to convey.
A “flashing knife blade” evokes associations of a weapon that is used in a fight. On the figurative level this could mean that for the speaker, English is a kind of weapon which helps her to defend herself in her fight to be recognized as an American although she is a “light-skinned mestiza” (2) and an “immigrant” (6). Perhaps the expression “blade of crystal” is supposed to allude to “crystal clear”. Then “crystal” might symbolize that English is generally considered to be a very clear and precise language which helps the speaker to analyse and describe problems and point at problems, e.g. injustices; “with passion” (7).
How to Interpret Metaphors
Example: “a flashing knife blade of crystal” (IaP “Child of the Americas” p. 32/l. 8)
Brainstorming: What associations/connotations are evoked on the literal level?
Possible associations of “knife blade”:
- kitchen-tool:cut vegetables, meat etc.
- tool: cut wood
- thriller: murderer kills with a knife
- circus: throw knives
- weapon: attack and/or defend oneself
Analysis: Do my associations/connotations fit to the neighbouring words (“flashing”, “of crystal”) and the general context (language, English)?
Conclusion: Only the comparison of a language to a weapon with which you can “defend” yourself and “attack” others (with words) fits
Interpretation: Connect the literal and the figurative level and explain what the metaphor is probably supposed to convey.
A “flashing knife blade” evokes associations of a weapon that is used in a fight. On the figurative level this could mean that for the speaker, English is a kind of weapon which helps her to defend herself in her fight to be recognized as an American although she is a “light-skinned mestiza” (2) and an “immigrant” (6). Perhaps the expression “blade of crystal” is supposed to allude to “crystal clear”. Then “crystal” might symbolize that English is generally considered to be a very clear and precise language which helps the speaker to analyse and describe problems and point at problems, e.g. injustices; “with passion” (7).